The way of quick and effective reducing of CO₂ – emissions from individual transport on the road and achieving the levels of carbon dioxide emissions required by increasingly stringent regulations is to electrify the powertrain. That’s why Schaeffler offers a wide range of products – from 48-volt hybridization to plug-in hybrid technology to electric vehicle drives.
At Schaeffler, we expect that by 2030, 40% of new vehicles sold globally will have all-electric powertrain, 40% will have hybrid – electric and 20% will continue to have internal combustion engine powertrain.
New generation of electric axles
Schaeffler’s electro-axles demonstrate a complex combination of power electronics, electric motor and gearbox. Their efficiency exceeds 95%, however, when transmitting power outputs often higher than 200kW, the electro-axes still place significant demands on heat dissipation and lubrication. However, the user does not have to worry about this. We at Schaeffler Kysuce have reached a significant improvement because since 2017 we have started to apply numerical methods for the analysis of mechanical and mechatronic components. And since 2020, we have been using fluid dynamics simulation software using the SPH (Smoothed-particle hydrodynamics) method. This step has made it possible to analyse oil flow in gearboxes in detail, without the need to produce transparent plastic models and prototypes. This brings more accurate and cheaper lubrication solutions to the end customers. These are also more environmentally friendly as they reduce the amount of oil required in circulation, increase mechanical efficiency, and can prevent oil leakage into the environment when pressure compensating.
Electromobility 2.0 – autonomous driving?
One of the solutions that electro-mobility brings and is developing is autonomous driving. Steer-by-wire Space Drive technology is characterised by the absence of a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steered axle. The system transmits driving and steering commands to the wheels of the vehicle via purely electronic signals. Electromobility thus offers new possibilities for controlling the vehicle, which gains autonomous steering features and thus also gives way to new possibilities for proactive safety. The car can assess hazards better and faster than the driver and, thanks to steer-by-wire, react appropriately. Electromobility also brings other technological challenges. For example, the higher weight of batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles makes it necessary to reduce the weight of other components and systems in the vehicle. Similarly, there are also requirements for low noise levels.
Schaeffler solutions for e-mobility
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Electric powertrain
specially in China and Europe as well as in urban areas, a market for fully battery-electric vehicles is going to emerge in the coming years. Schaeffler has a wide variety of production-ready powertrain solutions for electric vehicles in its product portfolio today.
Hybrid powertrain
Schaeffler’s hybrid portfolio ranges from mild to plug-in hybrid applications, depending on the level of electrification. Both modular and integrated solutions are available.
Mechatronics
Schaeffler has strong expertise in combining mechanical, electric and electronic components and systems. The portfolio ranges from power electronics to actuators to 3in1 e-axle systems.
Mechanical systems
Mechanical precision components and systems have been part of Schaeffler’s DNA for many decades. Key products include chassis components and systems, technologies for clutches and transmissions, and engine elements.
